---
title: "Robert L. Hobbs | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/robert-l-hobbs-va-washington-general-district-court"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Robert L. Hobbs

Washington General District Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Washington General District Court
- State: Virginia
- Role: Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-07-26

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### cell phones and electronic devices

Scope: statewide

Virginia courts commonly restrict cell phones and other electronic devices in court buildings; counsel and litigants should check the local court policy before arrival.

Evidence excerpt: Most courts in Virginia do not allow you to bring a cell phone or other electronic device into the building.

[Cell Phone & Electronic Device Policy](https://selfhelp.vacourts.gov/node/30/cell-phone-electronic-device-policy)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.vacourts.gov/static/directories/judges_rule115.pdf)
- [Official roster](https://www.vacourts.gov/static/directories/judges_rule115.pdf)
- [Office of the Executive Secretary, Supreme Court of Virginia official judicial roster](https://www.vacourts.gov/static/directories/judges_rule115.pdf)
- [Cell Phone & Electronic Device Policy](https://selfhelp.vacourts.gov/node/30/cell-phone-electronic-device-policy)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- The Chief Judge of the 28th Judicial District Court of Virginia, serving since September 2021 and elected by the Virginia General Assembly
- Law Clerk to Hon. Glen M. Williams, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia
- Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office
- Partner at Elliott, Lawson & Minor, P.C., Bristol, VA
- Commissioner of Accounts for the Circuit Court for the City of Bristol

### Education

- Bachelor’s degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and a J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law.

### Additional information

- Associate at Woods Rogers, PLC, Roanoke, VA
- Hobbs presides over a range of cases, including civil, criminal, and traffic matters, and is part of a bench that also includes Hon. Travis B. Lee and Hon. Suzan E. Moore.
- His judicial work is supported by the Virginia Court System’s public resources and local court websites.
- A native of Lee County, Hobbs lived in Bristol for 18 years before his election.